Force Majeure, Happy Valley, Matt Shephard is a Friend of Mine and The Hunger Games 3 on Monday Morning Diary (November 24)

In 1998, 22 year-old Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, beaten, and tied to a fence on a Wyoming prairie and left to die because he was gay. His death a week later incited outrage worldwide, and he is now a public symbol of prejudice and intolerance. A wrenching documentary by Michele Josue was the closing feature at the NYDC Festival, and Shepard’s parents Judy and Dennis were there to offer a Q & A. They are pictured here flanking my 12 year-old son Jeremy, and our friend Broadway Bob Eagleson. Lucille, Jeremy, Bob and I attended the screening of the film Thursday.

by Sam Juliano

Turkey Day is upon us, though some of our friends in the midwest are mired in high inch snow totals. Winter may be a month away, but it has made some unwelcome early appearances around the nation. In any event the staff here at Wonders in the Dark would like to wish all our friends and associates a wonderful holiday. For the 22nd year consecutively our own family will be traveling up to Butler, New Jersey, the home of Lucille’s sister and her family. The gathering up there totals about 60 people, but the house is practically mansion-size.

Posts at the site for the coming months are pretty much set–Jim Clark’s superlative film essays every other Wednesday, a continuing roll out of the Allan Fish Bonanza Encore Series and the Caldecott Contender picture book series until the awards are announced around mid-January. The next film countdown is tentatively planned for May of 2015 -Greatest/Favorite Films About Childhood – but we have a long way to go and won’t be even dealing with ballots until late March.

As December approaches we can expect all the critics’ ten-best lists, year-end awards and some long-awaited prestigious hits set to open in theaters. I have been keeping abreast of the openings and have accelerated my movie-going pace.

Lucille and I (with the kids for one, and with Broadway Bob for two) managed to see four (4) releases over the past week:

Force Majeure **** 1/2 (Friday night) Angelika Film Center

Happy Valley **** 1/2 (Saturday night) Village East Cinemas

Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine **** (Thursday night) IFC Film Center

The Hunger Games 3 * (Friday afternoon) Starplex

MATT SHEPARD IS A FRIEND OF MINE was the closing feature of the NYC DOCUMENTARY Festival. Often wrenching, it chronicled the lead-up and aftermath to the murder of a young gay man Matt Shepard by two men now serving lifetime prison terms. Shepard’s death ignited worldwide outrage as the ultimate example of a hate crime. Shepard’s inspiring parents -who launched the Matt Shephard Foundation was there for a Q & A. We got to chat with them afterwards. HAPPY VALLEY is another superb documentary about Joe Paterno, Penn State, convicted child abuser Jerry Sandusky and the end of an era. Very moving and bound to ignite strong feelings on both sides of the fence. The Swedish FORCE MAJEURE is unlike any film I’ve seen before. Otherworldly scenes set on a ski slope during a fall, and some issues of responsibility among family members that have a chilling effect. Some effective humor, but the one moment of terror that cause a family dynamic to unravel is what dominates a harrowing narrative. The deceit is slight but it is examined brilliantly through a magnifying glass. HUNGER GAMES 3 is utter tripe, and a complete waste of one’s time. A few of my kids thought otherwise.

hahaha John! I am incorrigible when it comes to typos and spelling mishaps, but thanks truly for the heads-up. The post went up late last night so hopefully not too many have seen it. Seriously, thank you my friend. I attribute much of this to encroaching senility.

John, you are a peach – just one of my favorite persons online and otherwise. But seriously, with one book published after another, I do have unshakable confidence in your remarkable ability to create in grand design. 🙂

Thanks for the words on Force Majeure, which I’ve been wondering about. The Shepard doc sounds moving. The most recent new release I’ve seen is Birdman, which was good but could’ve been better. Certainly the stylistic stuff was there but I was unhappy with where the film went. The glimpses of behind-the-scenes stage production was, of course, fascinating for me, and I was mesmerized by the peculiar modes of communication in that world, which I’m accustomed to. Ultimately, though, something of a letdown despite the talent on display. I’m looking forward to Inherent Vice.

Pierre—–FORCE MAJEURE is one of those films that slowly, intricately envelops you—everything is subtle and low-key, and you need to be refreshed and attentive to fall under its unique spell. I can assure you that the payoff is mighty, and some of the scenes in the snow are the most quietly intoxicating seen in any film of this year and beyond. A number of shots are held in extended mode -this Swedish director knows his Bergman. Yes the Shepard doc is very moving and reasonably well-made. You are not the only one out there to have those scene-specific issues with BIRDMAN, though what you admit you like about the film is also what I liked most. I do like it more than you, but I am skeptical now where it will figure as we approach the tip for year-end ten best lists. Yes, I await INHERENT VICE impatiently, and am also intrigued with SELMA and INTO THE WOODS. We will be comparing notes soon my friend. Many thanks, and have a special kind of week! I have my fingers crossed for favorable weather in Minny. 🙂

The critics will like Birdman more than the public, I think it’s safe to say. The Academy will probably give it some cred but I don’t see Keaton getting more than a nomination. On the basis of the trailer for Selma, I’m not sure. . . .

I agree Pierre as to BIRDMAN resonating more with the critics. In fact that is pretty much what has happened so far. I heard some very positive things about SELMA, but we’ll have to see how things pan out. It will be opening soon. I also agree that Keaton will not get more than a nomination.

Another busy week! It must have been very moving to meet Matt Shepard’s parents; they must have great courage to conquer the pain enough to watch that documentary.

This week’s watching for us: Night Boat to Dublin (1946), a just about passable thriller notable for an early Herbert Lom appearance; Ordinary Decent Criminal (2000), which we enjoyed as an entertaining trickster tale; Why Didn’t They Ask Evans (1980), a star-studded and well made TV miniseries of the Agatha Christie tale; and about the first half-hour of Smokin’ Aces (2006), which was as far as we got before ejecting the DVD with loud cries of disgust.

John—You hit the nail on the head. We were all tearing up when we met them – and the entire packed IFC Film Center main theater (#1) gave them an emotional standing ovation when they ascended the stage in front of the screen. They are a brave couple, and the loyalty they have for their son is boundless. So true what you say about them being able to endure that documentary with all those indescribably painful memories. Hahaha, I have actually seen one of in your eclectic round-up, but how could I not – I am after all a lifelong Agatha Christie fanatic, and I do own the DVD of WHY DIDN’T THEY ASK EVANS, which I certainly did like, even if not as much as some of her other filmed adaptations. We must share some Agatha Christie stories at some point. I love Lom, but never saw NIGHT BOAT TO DUBLIN, nor ORDINARY DECENT CRIMINAL. As far as SMOKIN ACES I deliberately avoided it. Thanks as always for the fabulous wrap my friend. I wish you and Pam a special week!

I am looking forward to FORCE MAJEURE.myself; the Matthew Shepard film also sounds worthwhile, if perhaps emotionally grueling. Your low opinion of the latest HUNGER GAMES film is interesting – some critics have called it best of series. I am no hurry to see it myself. Although I have great respect for Suzanne Collins’ original trilogy of YA novels, I started losing interest in the film franchise with the previous entry, CATCHING FIRE.

I also saw HAPPY VALLEY this weekend, found it very nuanced and provocative, an excellent documentary. In addition, I watched another fine documentary, ALTMAN, a vibrant portrait of late, great film director Robert Altman that has me wanting to go back and re-experience his entire oeuvre all over again. In the interest of catching up with missed 2014 releases, I also rented BELLE which got better and better as it went along. A lot of fine actors in period costume spouting a lot of historical exposition – or at least that’s what I thought in the early scenes, but I cant deny that I got pulled in and heavily invested in the story as it progressed. A solid 3.5 stare effort with some excellent performances.

Pat—-
I’d wager conservatively that you will connect with FORCE MAJEURE, but we’ll see. i reckon this unique film is not to everyone’s taste. But yours is always enterprising, so we will see. 🙂 I like the way you put that with the Matthew Shepard film – “emotionally grueling.” Absolutely. The reviews for the newest HUNGER GAMES film appear to be split, but what you say about the ones who like it calling it the best if certainly true enough. My daughter Melanie keeps asking me why I didn’t like it, but I think I have just had enough of that material. There isn’t really anything new. Thrilled to hear what you say about HAPPY VALLEY!!! I don’t remember what blogger just took the Altman documentary to task, but I do want to see it, especially after reading your strong assessment here. So happy that BELLE gets better and better. it is one of my favorite films of the year, and will definitely land on my Ten Best list. Your 3.5 is solid enough, and how true what you say in praise of the performances. I trust you had a very hearty Thanks giving my friend, though I know the weather hasn’t been very cooperative. Have a great weekend, and thanks as always.

True Frank, but I won’t spill the beans! Ha! I do look forward to comparing notes to you after you get around to it. As far as the Giants, the situation is indeed just so frustrating, to say the least. Let’s hope they don’t take it out on Coughlin. I trust you had a great holiday my friend!

Sam, I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and also wish a great holiday to everyone else at Wonders who will be celebrating in the US.

The Shepard documentary sounds heart-wrenching but his parents must have been very inspiring. I haven’t seen many films lately, but was at the cinema over the weekend to see ‘Will and Testament’, an excellent documentary about the veteran British Labour politician Tony Benn, who died earlier this year. I also recently watched Busby Berkeley’s ‘Gold Diggers of 1937’ and have written that one up on my blog – hoping to write about a few more musicals too.

And Sam, I know you will be interested to hear that Paul and I saw The Mousetrap at the theatre a few days ago – not in London but at home in Ipswich, as there is now a touring production alongside the never-ending West End one! I didn’t like it much, as it was very slow and talky, but it was a packed house and clearly many people disagreed with me.

haven’t seen many films lately, but was at the cinema over the weekend to see ‘Will and Testament’, an excellent documentary about the veteran British Labour politician Tony Benn, who died earlier this year.

Oo, I’d have liked to see that. Fat chance of it ever coming here to the US, I’d guess. I shall have to curry favour with my daughter in London . . .

Judy, thank you so very much! We did indeed have quite a time yesterday at a rural home (a huge house on a cul-de-sac at that) owned by Lucille’s sister and her husband. The husband has four brothers and a sister, and they all have kids, some of those kids have kids, so it all always translates to a huge gathering. We had 62 people there yesterday! I know there is no Thanksgiving over by you, but I trust you all had a fine time anyway. Yes the Shepard documentary was so very sad, yet as you rightly note the parents are an inspiration. I am very happy to hear you have returned to the blogging scene – I know you have been very busy with work- and I do love the subject–will be over to add my two cents. As far as the documentary on Benn- I see John Grant is stoked to see it too- I may be able to sit it through Allan at some point. Does sound like my kind of thing.

I am VERY interested to hear you and Paul saw a stage version of THE MOUSETRAP, which you well remember we were planning to see in London. But sad to say it never worked out. Yes it is not an easy play to really warm up too in large measure for the reasons you broach. i am a Christie fanatic and I probably overrate it a bit. Still, nice to hear a touring production made it over to Ipswich. Thanks again my very good friend!

Sam, I am glad to see you liked FORCE MAJEURE. The usage of a single moment to expose the underlying tension reminded of THE LONELIEST PLANET. But FORCE MAJEURE is diff with regards to humor and family relationships. And very rare do I praise a film for showing the beauty of snow but despite being surrounded by it most of the time, the snow based visuals took my breath away.

I still don’t think INHERENT VICE will be released here in Dec so I don’t have too many more films to see before compiling my end of the year list. Many titles appear to be a Jan 9 or 16 release. If that ends up being the case, then Jan 16 could prove to be as busiest film viewing week at a time when I start taking a break from the cinema.

If I don’t talk with you soon, wishing you and your family a happy thanksgiving holiday.

Sachin—–
Equally thrilled to read we are both on the same page with FORCE MAJEURE Sachin! I love the way you say that “rarely do I praise a film for showing the beauty of snow but despite being surrounded by it most of the time, the snow based visuals took my breath away.” How perfectly posed! There was an otherworldly quality to the snow scenes, and you could practically feel the cold and the thin flakes hitting your skin. Interesting comparison with THE LONELIEST PLANET too! INHERENT VICE will also be opening here in December, and yes it is one of the ones left we really want to see. However there are others that I am most intrigued by:

Based on what you are saying the films I mention above are due in January?? Ugh. Thanks for the Thanksgiving greetings my friend! We quite a day yesterday with 60 plus people at our gathering. have a great weekend my friend!

Hello Sam and everyone!
I read your kind words in last week’s post and I’m honored to be the receiver of such kind words. To answer your question, no, I haven’t commented on every Monday Morning Diary, my first comment was the day you featured a post from my blog!
Of the films you saw, Sam, I’ve only seen Force Majeure, (Turist) which I saw at Valdivia Film Festival this year and rated ****. Great movie!
So, the films I saw last week, as always, a diminished number due to constant work, but hey, I’ll have my revenge soon!
– Consumed (2014, David Cronenberg) ***1/2 A nasty horror film done by the master of body horror, this one is just ‘unexplicit’ body horror.
– El escarabajo de oro (2014, Alejo Moguillansky, Fia-Stina Sandlund) ****1/2 I’ve spent more than enough time trying to come up with some clever review for this, and while I don’t think I’ll ever have the chance to see this film again, for some reason it’s unforgettable and at the same time atrociously meta in such a way that it can manage to be tiring. Poe and Louis Stevenson and Argentinian History and Feminism are just the most evident elements here, this has layers and layers and it’s also really funny. Wish I had more to say, maybe I’ll never explain why this movie is so good to me, but it is.
– Interstellar (2014, Christopher Nolan) ***** A rewatch, in my blog, the review I wrote.
– Magic in the Moonlight (2014, Woody Allen) ***1/2 This film is sweet, innocent and manages to create some kind of conversation. I think that the scene in which our main character is praying and suddenly he has a change of mind is great because it embodies exactly the themes of Allen regarding religion and the futility of life. It’s also quite extraordinary in the portrait of a complete asshole, indeed I quite liked this movie, but I think that it’s missing something for me to completely recommend it. I think that it maintains itself quite plain for most of its length and then suddenly some great moments, and when anything remotely tragic can come up to the screen, it’s just shoved away or not given any attention, or even they just diminish its actual impact on those around the event. There’s little place for emotion here guys, a shame, but still a well acted endeavor.
– Minnie and Moskowitz (1971, John Cassavetes) **** The first hour of this film is a complete masterpiece, the rest is something different. This second time that I’ve seen this Cassavetes film, and I think that this won’t go any higher with any further viewing. I think I can rewatch the first hour a thousand times, but I can’t say the same about the rest of the film, and it’s not exactly because of the ending, there are some weaker elements towards the middle of the movie, where the repetition of certain elements make the film stall a bit. Nevertheless, there’s no better acting than this film, it’s crazy great.
– Near Dark (1987, Kathryn Bigelow) **** Now, Bigelow is always an interesting director, but she has never managed to interest me beyond that, and I don’t even consider myself an expert on her, so I can end up being completely wrong once I delve deeper into her filmography, but this film, just like ZDT and THL, don’t go beyond their premise in terms of becoming something transcendent beyond the time where it was made. Now, ‘Near Dark’ is still a really good movie, it manages to be one of the few decent horror action films of the late 80’s while we were being boarded on by shitty sequels of established horror franchises (except for Nightmare 3, that one was awesome), this one manages to get a creature that was somewhat forgotten and that will soon have its revival and give it a cool attitude without being completely obnoxious or just overtly dated in terms of when this movie takes place. Many have talked about the western qualities that this movie has, but for me, besides the setting and some shots, this is more than anything a straight up horror action film on the vein of what will come with ‘From Dusk till Dawn’. There’s some really great acting, but in the end, besides the sequences and the whole shebang, I think the film lacks an emotion and a momentum towards the revelations, it seems as if things just happened when they should be given more importance, and the less important events are given such a tense editing and framing, that they seem to be the most important ones to the filmmaker, but they aren’t, they exasperate to a degree, and I can think that this film could’ve done a better job at explaining how in hell you can cure yourself from being an immortal vampire without some huge body consequences.
I’ve also been slowly watching two serials from the 1910’s, long and kinda rewarding!
That’s all, have a great week!

Jaimie—–
Maybe you haven’t commented on every MMD, but since you commented that first time, you haven’t missed a single one, which all things considered is miraculous. And I thank you for exceedingly! No other person could match that. In any event, I am thrilled to hear you have seen INTERSTELLAR again!!! I just saw it again Saturday morning and was blown away a second time. This is one of the most moving films I have seen in a long time, and it shaken me to the core of my being. I took a few of the kids who hadn’t seen it the first time, and all were impressed, especially Melanie who said simply: “It is such a beautiful film.” It was this second viewing that has now won me over without reservations of any kind. I will definitely read your review, and am so delighted we are completely in agreement. And also, good to see you really liked FORCE MAJEURE! NEAR DARK is admittedly a very good horror film, and your capsule is excellent. As far as MINNIE AND MOSKOWITZ, I have always held it is very high regard. I know you like the second half less, but I feel it holds together. I am looking forward to the Cronenberg—MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT is weaker Woody, but no Woody is completely without positive aspects. Again great job discussing it! Again I thank you so much my friend!! Have a great upcoming week! 🙂

Yes Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and all here at WiTD! Sounds like a massive feast and get together for you and the crew. We head to the Chicago suburbs on Thursday morning and will be there until Sunday. My Brother’s family and my Sister and her husband will be there as well so it’ll be a fun weekend for sure. Some are beginning to discuss going to a movie on Friday, and I’m hoping that everyone doesn’t decide to go see the new Hunger Games. It goes against my better judgement. My thinking is that the whole series is diminishing returns since the solid first outing. This week have been keeping up with the news and the announcement out of Ferguson. There have been some protests here in Kalamazoo even today with solidarity popping up everywhere.

On another note, I was told to listen to the Serial podcast that is seemingly sweeping the globe. I’m frustrated by the fact that this podcast has developed such a following based upon a murder of a young woman and the public’s insatiable appetite for stuff like this. I’m sorry I listened to it and won’t be participating in listening to following episodes as I feel it is ethically questionable. Have you listened to this? I don’t really recommend it. It is gripping, but it’s highly problematic.

Well, here’s wishing you and your family a great Thanksgiving! Enjoy my friend.

Jon—-
I trust you had a smashing time yesterday with your relatives! Yes THE HUNGER GAMES is the choice of many, but as you note with serious suspicion this series really has worn out its welcome. But the time you read this response to you, you will have seen something – hopefully you didn’t get ensnared, but I completely understand why you’d be amenable with others. That is precisely why I would up seeing it. The kids really wanted to see it, and our friend Broadway Bob was pushing it all forward. Tickets for seven (7) and dinner afterwards must have cost us about $120. Was not a happy camper that day, but what could you do? This is what the kids wanted. 🙂 Yes there are protests about the Ferguson verdict all over. I have steered clear of saying much here or on FB, but I can’t say I was personally thrilled with the verdict. In answer to your question, I have NOT listened to that serial podcast, and will not be doing so any time in the future either. It may well be gripping, but yes it is hugely problematic for me too. Have a great weekend my friend. Many thanks as always! We all had a most memorable Thanksgiving gathering yesterday, thank you.

It sounds like “Force Majeure” is the film not to be missed. The chance to see such a film here has been slim in recent years and it is below zero since the major European film distributor in Japan went bankrupt. Umm,

I may have to report devastated environment of cinema appreciation in Japan sometime. It’s beyond pathetic.

To counter that, with a small handful of nickels and dimes and with help of internet and other technological wonders, some of my friends and I are doing some screening events of old Hollywood films. Last Sunday, we have screened “The North Star”, the war-time Hollywood film which is rarely shown here. It was a small gathering, but fun. Since we had a discussion session after the screening, I had done a lot of research on HUAC and blacklist. Some of the stuffs I had learned were pretty amazing. For example, I had no idea that, at one time, “It’s a Wonderful Life” was considered un-American, because it depicts the banker as a despicable figure. Wow. With that measure, communism must be ruling the world today. 99.9% of us hate the bankers because they are despicable.

I am planning to see “Intersteller” and “Fury” (yap, my money will be sucked into the vacuum of Hollywood land).

MI—–I am certainly of the belief that FORCE MAJEURE should not be missed indeed. Among the themes explored in this remarkable film is male weakness -the electrifying scene where our cowardly protagonist breaks down in front of his startled wife -is one of the most unforgettable sequences in 2014 cinema. There are Bergmanesque qualities, especially the long takes – but this is also the stylistic and thematic terrain of Michael Haneke, (not the savage set pieces, but the absurist humor) and the film evokes his work as much as it does Bergman’s. The trashing of gender stereotypes, the failings of bourgeois men, and the price to pay for complacency are all here compellingly. The other worldly scenes in the snow are simply breathtaking – I never took up skiing in my life -geez I’d be on the ground in five seconds flat–but the film makes the pursuit heavenly. The film takes a slight conceit and expands it brilliantly. I am very sorry to hear of the serious problems in Japan with negotiating quality cinema. I would never have thought that possible, but as always it comes down to money, and you attested to some bankruptcy. As to your gatherings I applaud you for being resilient. THE NORTH STAR is a great choice for such an endeavor. As to IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, I would have sworn I knew everything about that film! Clearly I learned something new reading this, and I can’t suppress a snicker. So true what you say when you suggest under those specs communism would be ruling. Ha! Don’t think FURY is worth very much but Hollywood or not the brilliant and moving INTERSTELLAR for me is one of the very best films of the year. Can’t wait to compare notes with you my friend! Have a great weekend, and thank you!

The week has been going by and I realized I have yet to stop by. I did manage to see a couple of films, both repeat watches.

Misery (****) Well known novelist is held captive by a crazy number one fan. Based on Stephen King’s novel Kathy Bates, as the number one fan, steals the film. The film is dark and witty with enough suspense and tension to keep you on the edge. Reiner handles it all very well. One of his best.

Scene of the Crime (***) MGM police procedural that could have been better. Hampered by a clunky script and an unconvincing performance by Van Johnson in the lead role as the tough lead detective. He wants to be Bogart but does not have the chops. Arlene Dahl is wasted as VJ’s wife, always left home alone when he has to run off on the job. Some of the supporting cast fair better, (John McEntire, Gloria De Haven and Norman Lloyd). Worth a look but that’s about it.

Here’s wishing you and your family, as well as all here at WiTD, a Happy Thanksgiving.

John—-The week has indeed been racing by! The holiday yesterday seems to have gone so quickly. Ugh. I pretty much concur with your findings on MISERY, and of course also have nothing by praise for that deliciously bi-polar turn by Bates, which won her the Academy Award that year, when I expected Joanne Woodward to triumph. The film does certainly keep you on the edge, and Reiner turns in one of his finest directorial efforts. Great capsule there my friend! To be sure I have not seen SCENE OF THE CRIME. You do paint a fairly interesting picture, and I’d certainly take a look if the opportunity availed itself. Norman Lloyd is a major draw in my book. Have a great weekend John! Many thanks as always!

It’s been so cold, up until the last couple of days, that I’ve just been staying in watching DVDs or TCM. The Criterion sale at B&N has been way more exciting than anything in the theaters. I picked up a few of their new blu-rays. Monte Hellman’s two sixties westerns, the complete Jacques Tati, La Dolce Vita, My Darling Clementine, and the Cassavetes box set. Can’t beat that.

Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving already. It seems to me this has been one of the shortest years on record. Each year seems shorter than the last. I guess we better enjoy it while we can. Here’s hoping you have a great Thanksgiving Day with your family. All the best to you and yours.

Duane—-we have indeed been hit with a cold spell this week, and as you know there was snow in these parts on Wednesday. Thanksgiving was chilly, but clear otherwise. I can well understand you taking advantage of the weather to watch some stuff inside. I agree that the Criterion sale has had up taking out mortgages as of late. Ha! I did not pick up that blu-ray Cassavetes set (I guess I am not the Cassavetes fan most people are) and am holding onto my complete Criterion regular DVD set, opting not to upgrade. What I did buy is similar to your round-up: Eraserhead, the Monte Hellman pair, the Jacques Tati set, It Happened One Night, Macbeth, la Dolce Vita, The Innocents and L’Aventura. And now we have a lot more to consider for July of 2015, including the likes of Watership Down, Don’t Look Now, Safe, Fellini Satyricon, A Day in the Country, The Palm Beach Story, etc. Always a thrilled to add to our Criterion collection! Yes, the years get shorter and shorter as we grow older. I agree we should just takes things a day at a time. Trust you all had a great Thanksgiving my friend! Thank you as always!

Sam, first off and most important a very wonderful Thanksgiving to you and your family! I am very thankful for you and all you have done to create and sustain such a vital cinephile community in the blogosphere.

I need to run down FORCE MAJEURE. Your report is one of several positive ones to hit my radar the last couple of weeks.

I finally managed one film this week, Cocteau’s ORPHEUS. Cocteau really had a special sensibility with very light flights of surrealism and fancy. Admittedly I cannot say I grasped everything he is saying but I found the experience very unique and still very modern sixty plus years later.

Thanks so much for the lovely Thanksgiving greetings Jeffrey! We had a wonderful day, and I trust you and yours had a terrific holiday as well. You words about being thankful for the efforts in keeping WitD as a viable online community are just unbelievable. To say that you are a beautiful and humble person is the understatement of the year. As a film director of esteem, you have always help the candle burning for this place, and I could never repay you for all you have done by way of cinematic insights and positive energy. I also have very high regard for ORPHEUS, and your capsule frames it expertly. The surrealism there has always captivated cinephiles. I await the opportunity to compare notes with you on FORCE MAJEURE. I’d wager a positive response from you.

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Wonders in the Dark is a blog dedicated to the arts, especially film, theatre and music. An open forum is highly encouraged, as the site proctors are usually ready and able to engage with ongoing conversation.